A Podcast for Artists, Aspiring Creatives, and Art Lovers

A Podcast For Artists, By Artists!

Join us for weekly conversations where we will be demystifying the creative process and exchanging ideas with career-minded artists.

No matter what stage of your art career you’re in, or you’re simply art curious, come and join us on a new conversation every Tuesday! We are opening the doors to our art studios and sharing forward the advice and business lessons we have learned along the way. We’ll see you in the art studio!

Latest Episodes…

Level Up Level Up

Ep. 185: Community Arts & Service with Kelly Schrader

On this episode we interview artist and Community Arts Coordinator Kelly Schrader. We talk about staying inspired through community and service, the power of balancing an art administration role and a creative practice, looking at your past work with softer eyes, documenting the creative process, redefining how to stay organized, and developing transferable skills as an artist.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 184: The Artist Comparison Trap

Find yourself envious of others’ success? This episode is for you! With social media and the digital world encouraging constant comparison, it’s easy to lose sight of our own artistic journey. So in today’s episode we talk about how to recognize if you’re stuck in the comparison trap, the importance of finding your own artistic truth, setting your own benchmarks for success, why looking inward is often the best way to grow as an artist, and the power of community along the way.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 183: Avoid Burnout During The Holiday Season

The holiday season is right around the corner. But what are you doing today to prepare for busy days ahead? That is what we talk about in today's episode! With the added fun of family gatherings, art markets, and holiday sales, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and burned out. We talk about the pressure of being pulled in multiple directions and share our top tips for avoiding burn out while still embracing the excitement of gift giving season as a business!

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 182: Weird Productions with Lindsay Hebert

On this episode we interview the founder of Weird Productions, Lindsay Hebert. We talk about embracing diversity with weird art, creating an alternative to the traditional gallery model, showcasing the unique gifts of local artists, and riding the wave of the creative process.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 181: Representation in Comics & Illustration with Ryan Oakley

On this episode we interview illustrator and comic book artist Ryan Oakley. We talk about exploring western and sci-fi themes in comic book illustration, navigating color on a screen, breaking into the comic industry, designing your table set up for a convention, the importance of making art that you like, and embracing human connection through the power of art.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 180: Building an Artist Team

So you want to expand your art business and hire help. But where do you start? In this episode we talk about the logistics! We discuss the types of team members and assistants you can choose, and the difference between specialized contractors, studio assistants, and virtual assistants, and our tips and tricks for setting your artist team up for success! So whether you already have a team or you are just starting to think about expanding, this episode is for you.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 179: CreativeMornings RDU with Joel Pominville

On this episode we interview the host of CreativeMornings RDU, Joel Pominville! We talk about his journey as a self proclaimed “distracted creative professional”, how he joined the CreativeMornings team, the power of using stories to strengthen your local community, enriching your artwork with more life experiences, and the importance of showing up with 100% effort to everything that you do.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 178: Studio Update with Adriana and Jackie

It’s time for a catch up! In this episode we discuss what we are both working on as well as wins and struggles in our current studio practice. We cover a handful of topics ranging from pursuing mural clients, attending industry conferences as an artist, collaborating with community organizations, and planning for the busy holiday season ahead!

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 177: Making Your Own Opportunities with Rachel Castaneda

On this episode we interview artist and muralist Rachel Castaneda. We talk to her about her journey from the classroom to launching a mural business, how to leverage referral opportunities while you are growing your style and following, utilizing social media for inspiration, and accepting that success is a moving goal post.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 176: Connecting with Fellow Dreamers with Ekaterina Popova

On this episode we interview visual artist, author, coach, and the host of the “Art & Cocktails” podcast, Ekaterina Popova. We talk about her journey of art entrepreneurship, balancing multiple income streams, the power of trusting your honest voice, writing down your long term goals, becoming a manifesting generator, and protecting the magic of your work.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 175:  To Frame Or Not To Frame?

To frame or not to frame, that is the question! As artists we are faced with thousands of creative decisions with every piece, and to frame or not to frame is one of them too. On today’s episode we give an overview of your framing options as an artist, the pros and cons of framing your work, as well as tips and factors to consider when framing your work.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 174: Creating Commissioned Artwork for Clients

Commissioned artwork can be a tricky game. Whether it is a painting, mural, logo, illustration, sculpture, or other type of client work, there’s a significant element of collaboration involved that can be a first time experience for many creatives. On today’s episode we share our top 10 tips for collaborating with a client on a commissioned piece. From setting clear boundaries, managing expectations, overdelivering on your promises, and how to turn a one time client into a lifelong fan - we cover it all! So if you’ve been burned in the past or if you’re considering taking on your first client, this episode is for you!

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 173: Art Money Success with Maria Brophy

On this episode we interview art business mentor and author of the Amazon Best Selling book, Art Money & Success, Maria Brophy! We talk about shifting your mindset around money and pricing, building relationships with an email newsletter, the importance of making murals easy for the client, creating a life you want to live, leveraging one opportunity to create another, and the power of sharing it forward with others.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 172: Writing A Strong Letter Of Intent

Letters of intent are a key component to receiving public art calls, grants, and various artistic opportunities. But what should this letter include? In today’s episode, that is what we discuss! From your interest in the opportunity to creative ways of highlighting your previous experience, a strong letter of interest can make the difference between standing out and blending into the crowd. So if you are apply for opportunities now, or looking to sharped up your future applications, this episode is for you!

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 171: Image Copyrights For Artists

Retaining your image copyrights as an artists is extremely important, not only for legal purposes but also for future income streams! However, what exactly is an image copyright? Although we are not lawyers, in today’s episode we discuss what it is, why it’s important, how you get an image copyright, as well as factors to consider when seeking display opportunities, contracts or sales that involve copyright verbiage. So if you’ve heard this term thrown around or seen it in a contract but you aren’t sure what it is, this episode is for you!

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 170: Living a Creative Life with Michele Yellin

On this episode we interview North Carolina painter Michele Yellin. We talk about the impact of going abroad in one's creative development, the benefits of working on multiple art pieces at once, finding a studio space that fits your current lifestyle, and watching your work evolve over time.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 169: Hyper-Feminine Art with Ali Hval

On this episode we interview hyper feminine artist Ali Hval. We talk about the balance of painting and sculpture in building a body of work, challenging traditional expectations of femininity, making art that feels like a performance, becoming bold in one’s creative process.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 168: Reframing Creative “Failures”

Many artists experience the rollercoaster of emotions during their creative career. In today’s episode we talk about the moments of failure that may secretly be breakthroughs in your process and artistic style. We talk about art being a continuous learning journey, embracing the process, and the importance of intention.

Read More
Level Up Level Up

Ep. 167: Developing Style Through Murals with Sarahlaine Calva

On this episode we interview artist and muralist, Sarahlaine Calva. We talk about taking Action before you are ready, evolving your creative style through murals, being selective with commission clients, utilizing technology in your creative process, and pursuing projects you are passionate about.

Read More

EPISODE ARCHIVE